I will be visiting Japan in March and I am meeting my friend's father, then his brother's family, and his sister's family. I'd like to know what sort of small gift I can bring his father, then my friend's elder brother's family, then his elder sister's family. I've heard food gifts are good. What do you all suggest?
BTW, my friend is indeed that guy that I asked a question about a few weeks ago. He indeed did have romantic feelings for me. Thanks!
2007-02-22 03:10:58 · 9 answers · asked by Delita 5 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Huh?? Of course they drink sake. Whiskey is ok, but wine is classier. But of course you can buy ANY kind of alcohol in Japan, so if you do bring alcohol try to find something locally bottled, like a microbrew from your hometown or something. It's just more interesting.
Someone said you can't bring food into the country--wrong. You cannot bring perishable goods, but any packaged food item is fine. Also, food is a good gift precisely BECAUSE you eat it and it's gone. Japanese homes are not large and any gift that does not contribute to the clutter is a good one.
It's the thought that counts, really. They will appreciate your gesture, regardless of the actual gift.
2007-02-24 20:48:18 · answer #1 · answered by tiger lou 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay the father is going to love you if you buy him Whisky - Japanese men do not really drink a lot a sake (its a tourist thing or for old men) they do drink a lot of beer but Whisky is the most popular drink. By a decent single malt rather than a blend if you can afford it - amd if you can get one boxed wow you will have scored huge points.
For the two familes buy two gifts only no more than that. One you can give the man of the house and one for the whole family once agian Whisky would be great as the main gift if not red wine is popular. As for a gift for the family a really nice box of chocolates is perfect - you should have no problems taking those in to Japan at all (I have taken suitcases of food with me back to Japan several times with no problems) - Godiva Chocolates are very very popular and really desirable here in Japan - if not as long as the box is presentable and is packaged nice it will be loved.
Avoid items that need keeping such as nik-naks and figures as Japanese apartments are often small and do not have much spare room - if it has to be something other than chocolates make it useful - tea-towels are popular.
Unless these people know you well expect all parties to refuse your gift at first.
2007-02-23 16:48:59 · answer #2 · answered by tokyo_katie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SRA has it right - sweets are enjoyed but dental care there is not the best. We went to PC last May and I bought about $30 or so dollars worth of school supplies and small toys from the dollar store and dollar general - we left some each morning for our maid. I also noticed that the majority of the staffers at our club (Club Med) were college students - we brought some college stuff from Atlanta and GA (we live here) and we gave them out to some of our favorites. When we went into town for a half day of shopping I made sure we had some singles. While enjoying a cool beverage at the shopping center both mine and my partners tennis shoes were nicely shined by a young lad - he was very eager to get the buck (he had a paint brush and a soda bottle filled with soapy water) - the bathroom attendants also kept the bathroom immaculate - she got a buck as well. ( I was originally a bit leary to go in there - but wow was I impressed). Another suggestion is never pay face price for something in the market - they love to haggle and if you do not get the price you want walk away - they will counter offer. Do check your bags when you leave a store - we got home and discovered one or two missing items. Have fun and bring sun screen!
2016-05-23 23:02:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best gifts to give anyone in Japan are those that your area or country is famous or well-known for producing. For example, Canadians often give maple candies and cookies, because Canada is known for that. If you are Canadian, that's a really great gift. If not, think about the things that your city, state, or country are famous for producing. Families also like hand-made things, if you or someone in your family is able to make anything. Although food is a great idea, Japanese people are very appreciative and interested in things that represent you and where you come from.
The other great thing about giving a gift like this, is that you can explain to them the significance of the gift, instead of just handing them a box of random candies.
2007-02-22 06:12:02 · answer #4 · answered by Rabbityama 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
American candy. A nice box of chocolates or an assortment of candies in a nice basket or gift set. Boxes of candies from America always go over well. How can you go wrong, right? Just as long as they survive the trip. That is the only down side. Go to a candy shoppe and obtain the assortment, they customize to your liking. AND if chocolate may melt, they have other candies that you can take.
Oh yeah, and if there are small children, take Barbie or Thomas Tank Engine gifts... coloring books or what not.
2007-02-22 03:15:38 · answer #5 · answered by ☽☮★♥ Alphα Fєmmє Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am in New Zealand and am moving back in less than a week, the things I am taking are things that new Zealand is famous for, like sheep skins and and honey and that kind of stuff. What is your country/state famous for? They wont mind just dont get them anything tacky or cheap. Give them something that they can show off to their friends, or look at and remember you by. Food is great, but once its gone, its gone. Maybe food and a little icon of your country would be a great idea.
As for the brother and sisters, well Im not sure how old they are, but the same rule generally applies, just give the present to the father first (if he is around) best of luck and enjoy ^_^
2007-02-22 09:23:13 · answer #6 · answered by twikfat 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Food gifts are good - but your not allowed to take food into Japan from an outside country. So unless it's extremely small and unbreakable/un-squashable and will fit into your suitcase, I wouldn't suggest it. [Even if it goes in your suitcase they may check].
When your in Japan you could get him an expensive bottle of sake, which is a nice gift to give. Make sure its spring seasoned though - gifts have strong season themes. And wrap it nicely, presentation is a strong part of gift-giving.
As for the brother/sister famillys - take them a small box of something. Ask your friend if there is anything they particularly like, or any Japanese-food they particularly like, but is a 'treat' to them. You could get them that.
If you want to take something from your country, think of unique-items, that your country is well-known for.
Good luck!
xx
2007-02-22 03:32:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Find something from Orient, Japanese like Chinese things very much. See the fallowing website, hope you have a good time there.
2007-02-25 17:48:13 · answer #8 · answered by hellenwashington 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They like dried mangoes. Thats easy to carry and for all gender. Mango in Japan is very expensive.
2007-02-24 21:30:28 · answer #9 · answered by Linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋